Image from Dan Quinn, Windy Hill
Priorities
We are facing a large number of challenges from our structural deficit to unrealistic housing demands from the State to increased risks of wildfire, droughts, and other extreme weather events due to our changing climate.
To tackle these challenges will involve dedication, difficult decisions, and commitment to some change from everyone. Remaining true to our founder’s intent will be critical: environmental stewardship, efficient governance, and strong community spirit.
I’m dedicated to listening, researching, and crafting practical solutions that respect our General Plan while meeting the needs of our residents and our state requirements.
My priorities are:
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Fostering a culture of respect, fact-based decision making, and openness in Town, while rebuilding and supporting our Town administration.
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Securing our finances to ensure the continued viability and success of our Town.
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Enhancing safety and sustainability while meeting state housing mandates.
I welcome resident input on achieving these goals while maintaining Portola Valley's unique character and values.
I'd love to hear from you: RebeccaforPV "at" gmail.com
Image from Virginia Bacon, 2018
01
Strengthen Community
Portola Valley's strength lies in its tight-knit community and volunteer spirit.
As we face new challenges in housing and safety, we must:
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Foster respect and civility in all interactions.
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Improve transparency in decision-making processes.
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Rebuild and support our town administration.
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Expand volunteer engagement to leverage local expertise.
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Develop affordable housing (154 units) in safe areas in Town (which are mostly our main arteries) while preserving our natural environment and town character so we will be able to welcome a few new residents and families while maintaining our dark skies and our great oaks. (FAQ: https://tinyurl.com/upzoning)
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Create housing options for diverse needs: downsizing seniors, returning adult children and their families, teachers, essential workers, service workers, farmworkers, disabled individuals, seniors, and more.
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Move forward with creating a program to legalize non- conforming ADUs for residents willing to rent them out at affordable prices.
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Establish a substantial affordable housing fund through fundraising donations, so we can determine and maintain control over our town's future. The fund would help provide grants and low/no interest loans to property owners to build affordable rental units and ADUs.
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Initiate a monthly Town Series, shared by the Town Committees to offer lectures, movies, workshops, and events to bring the community closer together with shared interests.
02
Ensure Fiscal Stability
Portola Valley has historically operated efficiently with minimal administration, relying heavily on volunteer efforts. However, increasing state mandates and resident expectations are straining our limited budget and have put us into a dire situation of structural deficits. We must make strategic decisions immediately to ensure long-term fiscal stability while maintaining essential services.
Key Priorities:
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Revenue Enhancement:
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Decide on the need for a revenue enhancement measure and move forward on logistics.
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Update the flexibility on allocation of the Utility User Tax to direct funds to the general fund.
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Review and adjust current fee structures.
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Assess potential for expanding commercial activities within town limits.
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Investigate new fee options.
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Pursue reclaiming property tax income from San Mateo County
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Budget Optimization:
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Conduct a comprehensive review of current expenditures.
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Provide greater visibility on expenditures so residents understand the costs of each service or request.
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Identify potential areas for cost-saving without compromising core services.
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Explore opportunities for shared services with neighboring municipalities.
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Utilize the UUT portion of the Open Space Fund in line with its charter "to preserve open space in Portola Valley" by doing greater fire clearance and maintenance of our open spaces.
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Update processes to best practices
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Publish regular financial reports for the public
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Maintain a user-friendly financial transparency portal
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Create clear procurement policies and procedures
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Conduct regular internal and external audits
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Implement efficient collection procedures
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Regularly review and update fee structures
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Document resident/town staff interactions
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Regularly review risk management strategies
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Conduct public meetings on financial matters
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Establish key performance indicators (KPIs)
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Regular benchmark against comparable municipalities
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Develop and maintain comprehensive written policies detailing the chain of command on all interactions between all stakeholders in Town: Town Council, Staff, Town Attorney, Committees, Commissions, and Residents.
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Service Level Assessment:
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Engage residents in a town-wide survey to prioritize services.
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Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of outsourcing vs. in-house provision for key services.
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Consider implementing a tiered service model based on community needs and available resources.
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Public Safety Enhancement:
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Conduct a comprehensive review of our Sheriff's department services and overtime costs.
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Explore cost-effective options for increasing patrol presence.
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Consider establishing a community safety officer program.
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Grants and Alternative Funding:
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Establish a dedicated grant-writing team to pursue state and federal funding opportunities.
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Explore public-private partnerships for specific projects or services.
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Long-term Financial Planning:
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Develop a 5–10-year financial forecast.
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Rebuild our reserves to ensure fiscal resilience.
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Implement regular financial health check-ups and adjustments.
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Engage the Town Residents with information and frequent updates.
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We must approach these decisions thoughtfully, balancing our town's character with fiscal responsibility. I'm committed to fostering an open dialogue with residents to explore all available options and make informed choices for our community's future.
Rebecca Flynn, filing candidacy papers with Diego Ramirez, Interim PV Town Clerk, August 9, 2024
View of Western hills covered in smoke from fires north of SF, September 9, 2020
03
Safety and Environmental Stewardship
Portola Valley's founding principles of careful environmental stewardship and protection of our open spaces are more critical than ever in the face of increasing climate extremes. We must enhance our town's resilience while maintaining our commitment to ecological stewardship. Included in environmental stewardship is ensuring safety for our residents.
Key Priorities:
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Disaster Preparedness:
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Finalize and implement an updated Safety Element in our General Plan.
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Organize annual community-wide evacuation drill.
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Wildfire Risk Reduction:
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Prioritize fuel reduction in high-risk areas (ravines, open spaces, evacuation routes).
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Get an updated fire map for Portola Valley.
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Partner with neighboring jurisdictions for coordinated wildfire prevention efforts (Jasper Ridge, Webb Ranch, Stanford, Palo Alto, Woodside, Los Trancos Woods, Ladera, etc.).
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Launch more "Firewise Home" initiatives.
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Facilitate home hardening and brush clearance by residents through group material and service purchases.
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Climate Action and Sustainability:
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Develop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan with specific, measurable goals.
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Set a target date for achieving net-zero emissions in town operations.
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Task the Sustainability Committee to guide implementation, track progress, and promote community education and engagement.
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Planning and Building Code Modernization:
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Update and codify more sustainable building practices, updating our municipal codes to reflect the reality of climate change.
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Encourage more green building practices (better air sealed and insulated homes, improved property siting, higher quality windows and shading, reduced energy requirements, and all electric construction.)
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Update and streamline municipal codes to make them easier to administer and comply with to encourage more affordable home construction.
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Smart Growth Advocacy:
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Engage with state legislators to promote climate-smart housing policies to reduce urban sprawl into wildlands.
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Advocate with Sacramento for more transit-oriented development in urban areas instead of in WUI areas, encouraging the concept of livable and walkable cities.
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Develop data on the dangers of increased building in ecologically sensitive open spaces and dangerous wildlands.
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Community Education and Engagement:
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Host workshops on emergency preparedness and sustainable living.
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By focusing on these areas, we can build a more resilient Portola Valley that honors its environmental heritage while adapting to the challenges of climate change.